O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

O little town of Bethlehem,\nHow still we see thee lie!\nAbove thy deep and dreamless sleep\nThe silent stars go by.\nYet in thy dark streets shineth\nThe everlasting light;\nThe hopes and fears of all the years\nAre met in thee to-night.\n2. O morning stars, together\nProclaim the holy birth,\nAnd praises sing to God the King,\nAnd peace to men on earth;\nFor Christ is born of Mary;\nAnd, gathered all above,\nWhile mortals sleep, the Angels keep\nTheir watch of wondering Love.\n3. How silently, how silently,\nThe wondrous gift is given!\nSo God imparts to human hearts\nThe blessings of his heaven.\nNo ear may hear his coming;\nBut in this world of sin,\nWhere meek souls will receive him,\nStill the dear Christ enters in.\n4. Where children pure and happy\nPray to the blessed Child,\nWhere misery cries out to thee,\nSon of the mother mild;\nWhere charity stands watching\nAnd faith holds wide the door,\nThe dark night wakes, the glory breaks,\nAnd Christmas comes once more.\n5. O holy Child of Bethlehem,\n54\nDescend to us, we pray;\nCast out our sin, and enter in,\nBe born in us today.\nWe hear the Christmas angels\nThe great glad tidings tell:\nO come to us, abide with us\nOur Lord Emmanuel.